Microalloying and modification of steel with natural materials and industrial waste

Abstract

The use of natural materials and industrial waste in the microalloying and modification of steel is studied. The metallurgical properties of a natural barium–strontium modifier are investigated, and its influence on the melting point of reducing slag is assessed. The results show that its industrial use is very promising. Terra software is used to assess the reduction of barium and strontium from their oxides by silicon and aluminum. The action of barium and strontium on the metal quality is analyzed. The potential of vanadium converter slag in microalloying steel with vanadium is established. The effectiveness of carbon from molten steel in the reduction of vanadium is assessed. Industrial tests are in good agreement with the theoretical findings. Recommendations are made for the optimization of microalloying and modification. The use of the materials here investigated improves the economics of steel production and considerably enhances the quality of the steel produced. The prospects for expanded of use of natural materials and industrial waste are discussed.